Colares Wine Cellar (Part 1 of ?)

Wednesday evening we were treated to a formal dinner at the Colares Wine Cellar in Sintra (a city just outside of Lisbon). It was amazing. No expenses were spared. The entire group (200+) were seated at one long table. I think the table was built for about 20 fewer poeple because it was very "intimate" to say the least. The food was good, but the ambience was breathtaking.

Enormous wooden wine barrels framed each side of the table. A team of around 15 waiters served us a 3-course dinner. It was amzing just to watch them work. Setting down one plate after another. And while one waiter was placing your plate on the table, there was another right behind him waiting to make sure your wine glass was never empty. Incredible.

As the end of dinner was approaching the electric lights were turned off and we were left with only the large quantity (most certainly a fire hazard) of candles to light the room. As everyone looked around trying to figure out why the lights were turned out - a group of singing monks approached the table. You can see a picture below and I will post a video of the monks. It was very pleasant. They made a full lap around the table singing and clanking glasses with everyone at the table.

It was pretty impressive.

After dinner we headed back to the main area where a live band entertained us until around 00:00 (that's midnight).

Ok, here are some pictures...